Helping kids soar to new heights.

LIFTOFF WNY WORKS TO ENSURE ALL CHILDREN ACROSS THE REGION ARE MEETING CRITICAL MILESTONES, READY TO LEARN, SUCCEED, AND REACH THEIR FULL POTENTIAL BY THE TIME THEY BEGIN SCHOOL. 

As an aligned action network of over thirty early childhood funders and cross-sectoral leaders in Western New York, Liftoff is committed to large-scale action that builds a more responsive, equitable, and integrated early childhood system. 

How does Liftoff help?

BY ENGAGING
in advocacy to support policy and funding change priorities at the local, county, and state levels.

BY LEADING
and contributing to local, regional, and statewide early childhood coalitions and campaigns to ensure strategic alignment and coordinated action in Western New York. 

BY BUILDING
a more responsive, coordinated, and integrated early childhood system and serving as a leadership partner of Help Me Grow WNY. 

BY RAISING AWARENESS
of early childhood priorities through Liftoff’s Learning Network and the highlighting of relevant data, programs, and initiatives in the region.

History

In 2017, Liftoff—formerly known as WNY Early Childhood Funders for Change—sought to understand how the region could better serve young children. The rest is history. 

Member Organizations

Each of our member organizations serves an essential role in supporting the improvement of early childhood development. View our full list of partners. 

Team

Meet the team responsible for overseeing and executing Liftoff WNY’s strategic efforts in collaboration with member organizations spanning the region. 

Impact that extends into adulthood.

Research has clearly demonstrated the importance of early experiences in a child’s development. In fact, 90% of brain growth occurs before a child reaches the age of five. Everything that transpires in that time, both positive and negative, has a lasting impact on the child’s health, education, learning outcomes, and community.

NEARLY 100,000 CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF FIVE CALL WESTERN NEW YORK HOME. THESE CHILDREN REPRESENT THE FUTURE OF THE REGION—ONE THAT LIFTOFF WNY INTENDS TO PROTECT.